January 2009 Newsletter

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Featured Resources ...... 2 Quo Vadis News ...... 3 “Why the Church?” — Dr. Howell ...... 9 Spouses Network ...... 10 Prayer List ...... 11

The Coming Home Network International A Glorious Journey — Dr. Paul Chaim Benedicta Schenck I chose to enter into full communion with important and the most trivial matters. Tose the Catholic Church when it became apparent divisions have wounded and weakened the to me that I no longer could confess the Creed, Body of Christ, and have sapped her strength in which I made the claim to believe in the and vitality. Te visible Church in true unity One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church with Christ and His members is the True and not be in communion with the Bishop of Church. Rome, the Successor of St. Peter, and Pastor of Pope John Paul II lamented our current the universal Church. situation in Ut Unum Sint, where he quotes Unity is the foremost characteristic of the Decree on Ecumenism of the Second the Body of Christ. Te two most splendid Vatican Council, “Division,” he says, “openly descriptions of the Church, the Body and the contradicts the will of Christ, provides a Bride of Christ, can only be conceived of as stumbling block to the world, and inflicts one, and never, as many. Our Lord has only one damage on the most holy cause of proclaiming Body and only one Bride. St. Paul emphatically the Good News to every creature.” declares this in Ephesians 4:5 When I refer to the Catholic Church as the Tere is one body and one Spirit, just as you True Church, I do not mean that all others are false. I use it in the way a carpenter might: as the were called to the one hope of your calling, one standard against which all others are measured. Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and In Mysterium Ecclesiae, the statement of the Father of all, who is above all and through all Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, and in all. it unambiguously states, “Outside her visible Tere was no such unity outside the Catholic structure, namely in Churches and ecclesial Church. My brother and I researched hundreds communities which are joined to the Catholic of denominations for a book we called “Te Church by an imperfect communion, there are Constitutions of American Denominations.” to be found many elements of sanctification Tey conflicted with each other in the most Journeys Home Journeys FEATURED RESOURCES

The Beginning of the English Reformation By Hugh Ross Williamson Journeys Home If people neglect the study of the A Glorious Journey and truth [which], as gifts properly belonging to the Church of Christ, possess past, they cannot an inner dynamism towards Catholic unity.” fully understand Indeed, the Catechism is quite clear, “All who have been justified by faith in the present. This is Baptism are incorporated into Christ; they therefore have a right to be called particularly true of Christians, and with good reason are accepted as brothers in the Lord by the the Reformation in children of the Catholic Church.” England. Hugh Ross And “…many elements of sanctification and truth, are found outside the Williamson cuts visible confines of the Catholic Church: ‘the written Word of God; the life of through the superfcial, oversimplifed grace; faith, hope and charity, with other interior gifts of the Holy Spirit, as well causes of the Reformation, showing as visible elements.’ Christ’s Spirit uses these churches…as means of salvation, how complex political and economic whose power derives from the fullness of grace and truth that Christ has entrusted forces obscured, for the men of to the Catholic Church. All these blessings come from Christ and lead to him, that time, the religious nature of and are themselves call to ‘Catholic unity.’” the issue; the extent to which the For these and many other good reasons, I have not repudiated my conversion subsequent doctrinal reform was of Continental origin; the extent also to Christ, my Baptism, discipleship, or my training in God’s Word outside the to which the imposition of the new Catholic Church. I have in fact brought them with me into the Catholic Church order was facilitated by the lethargy, where they belong. cowardice, weakness & cupidity of I was raised Jewish. My father and his siblings were the first American generation Tudor Catholics, especially those in born to descendants of Polish and Austrian Jewish immigrants. My mother was high places. not born Jewish. Her mother was Catholic and her father Episcopalian. My mother’s mother, only sixteen years of age when she gave birth to my mother, The Path to Rome saw to it that she was baptized in the Roman Catholic Rite. On the way to St. Edited by Dwight Longenecker Mark’s parish, where my mother was baptized, is a small mission called “St. Margaret’s,” while my mother’s given name is Marjorie, her Christian name is Recent years have Margaret. seen the largest My maternal grandmother died while my mother was still young and her infux of laity & clergy father raised her in the Episcopal Church. After a tragic first marriage that ended into the Catholic Church in England in her husband’s suicide, my mother was left a young widow struggling to raise since Catholic two daughters. My father met her and came to her aid. She converted to Judaism emancipation. and married him in the Jewish ceremony. Teir agreement was to raise their During that time the children Jewish. Tat is why when my twin brother and I were born, we received food of converts ritual circumcision, were inducted into the Covenant of Abraham, given Hebrew has included four Anglican bishops, names (Hillel and Chaim), and enrolled in Hebrew school for six years. a member of the Royal Family, two When I entered high school, I was introduced to a group of Christian young ministers of the Crown & a host of people who took their faith very seriously. Tey met for prayer in the mornings, ordinary clergy and lay people. Pick gathered for late night Bible studies in homes, and were conscientious about up this book & be inspired by the church attendance. Tey were Protestants and Catholics. I began attending a stories of some of the Christians who small Methodist chapel in our neighborhood. Te minister was a Salvation Army have struggled, thought & sacrifced officer, as the congregation could not afford a pastor. I attended the Sunday much to fnally fnd their home in the School, the youth group, and Sunday church services. It was there my brother Catholic Church. and I requested baptism after responding to the call to accept Christ in a parish mission. I was baptized “in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” on October 11, 1974 by immersion in the river. Receive either book with any My brother and I both became involved in Christian fellowship in school. donation of $35.00 or more! We attended the prayer meetings, the Bible studies, joined the youth group on Receive both books with any evangelistic efforts such as sharing witness in church services, in public places donation of $50.00 or more! 2 A Glorious Journey like malls, and door-to-door visitation. I became a volunteer youth counselor with the Billy Graham Association and the Christian Broadcasting Network. I discerned a call to Christian service and thought at first that I would attend the Methodist college and seminary. Ten I learned about a missionary Bible college nearby. I arranged to graduate from my high school a year early and I applied. QUO VADIS NEWS It was necessary to obtain two referrals from ordained ministers. Te pastor of a large evangelical church and my own minister provided the requisite letters, and http://www.quovadisyouth.org/ I was accepted. I had begun a special friendship with Rebecca Wald whom I had met at the The Coming Home Network prayer meetings. It became an exclusive relationship, which did not include International’s youth apostolate Quo “dating,” but a friendship based on our mutual church activities. Before leaving Vadis was established to provide peer for college, I asked her parents for permission and their blessing in asking her support for the children of clergy of to marry me. We intended to marry when I completed my program. However, other faiths who are either on the journey to the Catholic Church or after the first year we were married and I returned to school. I had to suspend my have already been received into the program, and then resumed my studies part time. Our first born child came two Church. If you are a young person years later after our first child miscarried. My wife and I became house parents who is interested in the Catholic faith for Baker Hall, a public funded Catholic program for delinquent boys. During or if you are a young person who the day I was also the director of an evangelical Christian drug and alcohol would like to share your Catholic faith intervention program called Teen Challenge. I attended school at night. with others we invite you to discover After five years I received a Pastoral Ministries certificate, and after two more Quo Vadis. years, the Bachelor of Arts in biblical studies. I was examined and called as pastor of a non-denominational community church in western New York. Interested in learning more? In the course of my studies, I read the Church Fathers in addition to the Quo Vadis has a web site, Scriptures. As I followed Church history, I became aware of the distinct www.quovadisyouth.org with differences between the beliefs and practices of the evangelical churches and information about the network and the Apostolic Church. Tese differences were explained in reference to the ways to become involved. Quo Vadis Reformation. For a time that was sufficient, but after a while it was no longer an would particularly like to invite you effective explanation. I was becoming aware that the Fathers were Catholic. to come to our weekly chats, they are While still a minister in the community church, it quietly troubled me that every Thursday night at 8pm EST in we were not in communion with the Catholic Church. As I matured in the the Coming Home Network chatroom. ministry of Christ, I recognized that the Church was the guardian of the great The chats are a great means to truths of revelation: Te Scriptures, the Trinity, the Councils and Creeds, the learn more about the Catholic faith Episcopacy. Te more I learned from Church history, and especially the Fathers, and to experience fellowship with the more I yearned for rootedness and continuity with the early Church. In other young people. We hope you 1983 I was invited to conduct a preaching mission in the UK. I was stationed at can come! If you would like to learn St. John’s Church (Anglican) Poole, Dorset. Te vicar was the Rev. John Blythe, more about Quo Vadis, or you have a a missionary priest. In long discussions late into the night we explored the question about the Catholic faith you are welcome to contact Mary Clare liturgy, the Church Fathers, and the first ecumenical councils. I returned from Piecynski at [email protected] the UK with the Book of Common Prayer, and an appreciation for the history or call her at 740-450-1175 ext 105. of the Church of England. In a very basic way, I saw the Anglican Church as a connection between the evangelical churches and the Apostolic Church. I introduced the Creed, certain parts of the liturgy, vestments, and a higher view of the Lord’s Supper into our community church, and it was generally received. I had begun my journey to the Catholic Church. I began to look for attachment to a church that embraced the ancient liturgical forms of worship and had a high view of the sacraments and a visible hierarchy. 3 JourneysA Home Glorious Journey My Grandparents (my mother’s father and her first father-in-law) were Church of England men, and my interest in the Anglican Church developed. At that same time I had begun a collaboration with Dr. Jakob Jocz (PhD Cambridge, THE JOURNEY HOME LHD, Edinburgh), professor of systematic theology at Wycliffe College, University of Toronto. Dr. Jocz was a third generation Jewish Christian and an on EWTN television and radio Anglican priest. He had been rector of St. John’s Church, East End London, and was in residence at Church of the Messiah in Toronto. Trough Fr. Jocz I was TELEVISION introduced to Anglican men in Canada and at the same time met an Episcopal Mondays live at 8:00 PM EST priest from the Diocese of Birmingham who urged me to consider the Episcopal Encores: Tuesdays 1:00 & 10:00 AM EST priesthood. Wednesdays 1:00 PM EST Saturdays 11:00 PM EST I contacted the Reformed Episcopal Seminary in Philadelphia and eventually petitioned the Bishop for entry. I resigned from the pastorate and my family RADIO and I moved from Buffalo to Chesapeake, Mondays live at 8:00 PM EST Virginia, where I joined the American ...I had challenged Encores: Wednesdays 2:00 PM EST Center for Law and Justice, a public interest Saturdays 6:00 PM EST law firm advocating for pro-life, family, a Federal District and religious liberty issues. I read theology, Court injunction church history, and liturgical studies for the that restricted January 5 Reformed Episcopal Bishop. pro-life “sidewalk Open-line After completing the program of guided Dr. Paul C. Schenck independent studies, I stood my examinations counselors” from Former Reformed for ordination at the Reformed Episcopal approaching Episcopal minister Seminary in 1995. I was received as a Deacon abortion clinic in St. John’s Episcopal Church (ECUSA), clients and others January 12 Portsmouth, Virginia. Te following year Tom Peterson I was ordained a presbyter by the Most with Bibles... Revert from Secularism Rev. Leonard W. Riches, (Yale Divinity School) by then the Presiding Bishop of the Reformed Episcopal Church in the United States. Te year previous my brother and I had challenged a Federal District Court January 19 injunction that restricted pro-life “sidewalk counselors” from approaching (English Pre-Tape) abortion clinic clients and others with Bibles, tracts, and a peaceful, pro-life Roundtable with Jules message. I was sentenced to two years in federal prison for violating the federal Chadwick, Ruth Rees, and judge’s order for counseling a couple leaving the clinic, passing a Bible to a Fr. Ronald Creighton-Jobe woman who thanked me, and speaking with a man who refused a Bible. Te case, called Rev. Schenck V Pro-Choice Network reached the US Supreme Court, January 26 which ruled 8-1 in my favor, striking down the judge’s order as a fundamental (English Pre-Tape) violation of the First Amendment right of Freedom of Speech. Sr. Mary of the Trinity, SOLT When I began my prison sentence, I was told that the Protestant chaplain was “pro-choice” and wanted nothing to do with me. My conscience would not allow me to worship in her chapel or receive communion from her. When the Catholic sacristan heard about it, he came to me and said, “Father says that you’re welcome at Mass!” Because I was a good prisoner, my family was allowed to worship with me. So every Sunday my wife packed up our seven children and drove nearly two hours to attend Mass with me in the prison Chapel. Tat was 4 A Glorious Journey when the Church opened wide her arms to us. Each week I eagerly awaited Mass, where I could commune spiritually with our Lord and pray with my family. After my release on appeal, I was appointed vicar in the Reformed Episcopal mission in Virginia Beach and chaplain to the law faculty at Regent University. Tere I met Deacon Keith Fournier who began tutoring me in Catholic doctrine, especially ecclesiology. I attended the campus Mass, and discussed theology with priests and deacons who visited the campus. Deacon Fournier also had faculties in the Melkite (Greek Catholic) Church, and he invited me to join him at the Eparch’s residence in Methuen, Massachusetts. When I explained my earnest interest in entering the Catholic Church, the Eparch, Bishop John Elya, invited me to a diaconal formation week at St. Basil’s Seminary and I attended (he later explained that Anglican men go to the Roman Archbishop). About the same time I was elected a Trustee of Tomas More College in Merrimack, NH, a Catholic school, which also granted me the honorary Doctor of Humanities. I found myself being drawn ever closer to the Catholic Church. I began praying for the reunion of the whole Church Catholic, but began to realize it would have to start with my heart. When I became the rector of an old evangelical Anglican parish in Baltimore, I was welcomed by the Catholic DEEP IN SCRIPTURE priest in the next parish, Fr. Victor Galeone (now Bishop of St. Augustine), who began joining me for the Stations of the Cross at the abortion mill. We became Live Radio program with friends and then co-counseled a couple that was about to divorce. Te husband Marcus Grodi & Guests was a member of my parish; the wife was a member of his. So Fr. Galeone and Wednesdays LIVE at 9:00 PM EST I co-counseled them and they were wonderfully reconciled. At the same time, Encores: Friday @ 9 PM EST another couple in my parish was separating. Te husband said, “I know its God’s Sundays @ 6 AM EST will that Julie be my wife, but I don’t want to live with her. We’ll have separate houses and we can share the children.” Following our Holy Father’s call to “No” I insisted, “there must be an organic unity to marriage. It is not enough rediscover the inspiration of St. Paul to be ‘legally’ married; you must share the same bed and board, live together and his writings, our Deep in Scripture under one roof, in mutual submission, with Christ as your head. Tese are the live radio programs will be featuring visible signs of your union.” guests discussing their favorite verses When they left I said to myself “You hypocrite! You told them there has to be from St. Paul. an organic unity to marriage, but you’re content to be separated from Christ’s true Body.” I began praying more fervently for reunion with the Church. The live broadcast of the program has Ten in 2000, our oldest child, at twenty-one, told me that she intended to moved to WEDNESDAY EVENINGS become Catholic. She would be confirmed at the Easter vigil the following year. AT 9 PM EST. Marcus Grodi and his I told her she had my support, and I would be present with her. guest will be taking your calls and In Baltimore I shared our church campus with an Ethiopian Orthodox parish. emails about the evening’s text from When the Ethiopian Bishop, Abba Melkisedek, learned that I was traveling to St. Paul. Egypt to teach at a Protestant minister’s conference in Alexandria, he asked if I Go to www.deepinscripture.com for would visit the Ethiopian Bishops in Jerusalem. Tey were in a crisis of faith as more information. some of the faithful had begun converting to Judaism. He thought I might have some helpful advice, which I did not, but in charity I offered to go. Tere was DIS guests January 2009 also a priest who had immigrated to Washington, but his wife and children were January 7 ...... Joseph Pearce still in Jerusalem and the Intifada had broken out – and he needed someone to intercede for them at the Embassy in Israel. I promised to help and was January 14 ...... Rob Evans successful and the family was reunited. January 21 ...... Johnnette Benkovic January 28 ...... Chris Osgood 5 THE COMING HOME NETWORK INTL’ PO Box 8290 Journeys Home Zanesville, OH 43702 800-664-5110 A Glorious Journey www.chnetwork.org After my visit to Jerusalem, I went on to Egypt. When a former student of mine, who was an Egyptian national, from a Coptic family and living in Cairo, President/Executive Director picked me up at the airport, he announced, “You have an appointment to go Marcus Grodi (former Presbyterian to the Basilica tomorrow where Pope John Paul II is conducting an ecumenical Pastor) encounter!” We went early the next morning and waited for nearly two hours as our host, the president of the evangelical college, argued with police. We were Chaplain denied entrance, and I returned to my hotel dejected. I felt so strongly that Fr. Ray Ryland (former Anglican Priest) an encounter with the Holy Father would somehow seal my reunion with the Director of Pastoral Care Catholic Church. It did not happen, and I went on to teach in Alexandria and Jim Anderson, M.A. (former Lutheran) returned to the US crestfallen. I was teaching at the Reformed seminary in Philadelphia when I received Director of Administration a call from Bishop Elya. He told me that he had arranged for an invitation Robert Rodgers (former Anglican) from the Greek Catholic Archbishop of Jerusalem, Lufti Laham (now Patriarch Administrative Assistant Gregorious III ), to accompany him on the Papal Pilgrimage from Bethlehem Sharon Coen to Jerusalem. When I returned to the Old City, the Archbishop received me and said, “Now, Financial Coordinator Father Chayam, (He called me by my Aramaic name), you did bring your Eastern Ann Moore vestments and you will concelebrate with the Holy Father in Bethlehem?” I Resource Specialist realized he did not know I was not yet Catholic. I said, “Your Grace, I’m not Laura Corrigan Catholic, I’m an evangelical Anglican.” Resource Specialist “Oh!” he exclaimed. “Nevertheless, you will have an honored seat among the priests in Bethlehem. You will see, the Holy Father will be there, I will be there, Peter Grodi and you will be there. You will see, you will be absorbed!” IT/Facilities Coordinator Te next day indeed, I was seated to the right of the Holy Altar in Manger Bill Bateson (former Mormon) Square. John Paul the Great was offering the Sacrifice of the Holy Mass, the Assistant Coordinator Body and the Blood all around me – “a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond Mary Clare Piecynski of charity.” A sea of humanity flowed forward to receive the Communion of the precious Body and Blood of Christ. Tere, where Forum Coordinator Christ was born, was every “tribe and tongue and Dave Armstrong (former United people and nation.” Tere You will see, was every hue of skin Methodist) and nap of hair, every kind the Holy of dress. Everything that wasn’t stone was a human head. It was an oasis Theological Advisor Father will be Dr. Kenneth Howell (former of love and peace in the midst of the storm of Presbyterian Pastor) hatred and conflict. It was there, I will be the grandest display of unity I had ever seen in there, and you my life. It was truly “a Board of Trustees Paschal banquet.” will be there. We went to the grotto of the Nativity with the Marcus Grodi, President You will see, Fr. Ray Ryland, Vice-President Holy Father and prayed there. As we walked Kevin Lowry, Treas. (former abreast with the Holy you will be Father and the Latin Presbyterian) Patriarch Michael Sabah, absorbed! the Archbishop turned Dr. Paul Thigpen (former and said, “Here is the Holy Father, here am Evangelical Pastor) I, and here you are – and you see, you’re absorbed, Dr. Charles Feicht (revert from you’ve been absorbed!” We went on throughout Palestine and Israel, and finally, Evangelicalism) at the end of the week to Jerusalem. Tere, in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher,

6 DEEP IN HISTORY MP3s

The Coming Home Network International is moving history forward with past Deep in History Conference talks available in MP3 A Glorious Journey format through our web site. the Holy Father declared with a jubilant countenance “He is not here, He is Go to www.deepinhistory.com and risen!” Before the sanctuary was a truly ecumenical assemblage: the Anglican click on a previous year’s conference Bishop, the Lutheran Bishop, the Coptic, Armenians, and Ethiopians. When it page. There you will fnd a list of all was time for the Peace, the Bishops embraced the talks with a link for downloading. ...in the midst of one another, as did all the faithful – born Jews Each talk will cost $5. and Palestinians, black, white, and Asian. And the Anglican and Take our Catholic history wherever they were all praying and participating in the Lutheran Bishops, you go as we continue to make our Holy Mass in one tongue: Latin. resources more accessible to you. the Ethiopians After the Mass, the Pope lingered for some and Copts, Jewish time like a Great Father amidst his affectionate holocaust survivors children. Ten, as he left, the congregation swelled and rose behind him like a torrent and Palestinians, sweeping through the cavernous man-made every language mountain that is the Sepulcher Church. As he and nationality, I passed through the ancient doors, the Israeli believe I became officials pushed the doors closed – something Catholic in my they were not expected or permitted to do, as there is an ancient protocol conducted by the NEW LOOK heart. Muslim sergeants-at-arms. A hue and a cry went up, followed by a muted sigh and then To usher in the new year, the Coming a hush as the daylight was shut out and the Church became gloomy. It was as Home Network International’s if the Holy Father had been stolen away. Ten, panicked security personnel newsletter has received a new look. reopened the doors and the Holy Father was there again, above the crowd on With the same great content, we top of his vehicle, and imparted his blessing to all of us below. Tere – in the hope you will enjoy our new layout. CHNI looks forward to hearing midst of the Anglican and Lutheran Bishops, the Ethiopians and Copts, Jewish your comments and suggestions holocaust survivors and Palestinians, every language and nationality, I believe I concerning the new design. Please became Catholic in my heart. contact Mary Clare Piecynski to give I had already become Catholic in my head, but in Jerusalem, I became Catholic your feedback. in my heart. It was a biblical journey – from the footsteps of Christ in Jerusalem, Mary Clare Piecynski down into Egypt, out of the Holy Land, only to be swept back again to the [email protected] sacred sites. I had walked from Bethlehem to Jerusalem, speaking French badly 740-450-1175 ext. 105 with a Franciscan Friar from Cote d’Ivoire. I followed the Papal train to the place of Christ’s saving death and glorious resurrection. I had prayed in Hebrew, Greek, Ethiopic, Arabic, and Latin. When the Holy Father entered the convent TAX LETTERS in Bethlehem to meet barely more than a handful of us, I fell to my knees and clutched a rosary so tight that it left its imprint on my palm. I knew there was no If you need a record of place else for me to go, but to the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, your contributions for and to its one true pastor. tax purposes, please When I returned to Baltimore, I began praying for a doorway through which I contact Laura Corrigan. A could bring my family and myself into the Catholic Church. Full time Christian statement will be mailed service was all I had ever known, my entire adult life and throughout our whole to you by January 31, 2009. marriage. We lived in the church rectory, drove a church car, and my children attended the church school. Laura Corrigan [email protected] 7 740-450-1175 ext. 102 JourneysA Home Glorious Journey I had been reading the biography of the Holocaust martyr Edith Stein, St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. Tere was so much I could identify with, being the descendant of European Jewish ancestors. I asked St. Teresa Benedicta to join her prayers to those of the Blessed Mother, to intercede with the Lord to find a way for my family and me into the Catholic Church. I left it in the Lord’s hands, and I was at peace. I began making arrangements to leave our home, our community, our children’s school, and step out into the deep. Te next year, I was told that Fr. Frank Pavone wanted to talk to me. He invited me to his office in Staten Island, and I told him about my desire to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church. He invited me to join Priests for Life and six months later, I was received into the Church with the proper permissions in the Archdiocese of New York by Fr. Pavone and Fr. Leo Prince, pastor of St. Roch’s Church, Staten Island. I received the sacraments of penance and reconciliation, confirmation, marriage, first Holy Communion and I was inducted into the Confraternity of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, and invested with the brown scapular. I was in the ark! My wife and children were some steps behind me and they remained members in the former church for another year. We began looking for a good Catholic school for the children and found it at York Catholic High School in the Diocese of Harrisburg. We sold the rectory which we had purchased from the former church and relocated to York, Pennsylvania, so that the children could begin their Catholic formation and education. We joined Holy Infant Church in York Haven, and began our formation as a Catholic family. My wife and our children at home were confirmed on January 8, 2005 by the pastor, Fr. Ed Malesic, and our youngest is now in formation for first Holy Communion. Our journey has been an adventure that has presented its trials and triumphs. In many ways, the journey reflected the experiences of the first believers and those who have persevered within the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. I am a late comer, but have inherited the great legacy of this Glorious Catholic Church!

Dr. Paul Chaim Benedicta Schenck is founding Chairman of the National Pro- Life Action Center on Capitol Hill near the US Supreme Court in Washington, DC. A former Anglican minister, he is a pastoral associate with the Missionaries of the Gospel of Life, founded by Fr. Frank Pavone. Raised Jewish and baptized at age 16, he attended a missionary Bible college, an Evangelical Seminary, and a Catholic University. He holds degrees in Holy Scripture, Teology, and Humanities. He is a trustee and Visiting Professor of Evangelization at Te Tomas More College, and was recently appointed by Bishop Kevin Rhoades as Director of the Respect Life Office of the Diocese of Harrisburg. Paul and his high school sweetheart Rebecca were married at age 18 and they have one child in heaven and eight on earth, ages 7 to 29, as well as a daughter and son in law. Paul will be a guest on the Journey Home on January 5.

8 A Glorious Journey Why the Church? By Dr. Kenneth Howell*

any years ago I had a conversation with an older of heaven. Tis is why Paul says that God “made us alive Mcolleague whom I admired very much. He was with Christ when we were dead in transgressions … and he an accomplished scholar of the New Testament and especially raised us up and seated us with Christ in the heavenly realms of St. Paul’s epistles. We were discussing the teaching on the in Christ Jesus” (Eph 2:5,6). Accomplishing salvation in Church in the New Testament when he made a statement the Paschal Mystery, Christ intended the Church even as he that took me back. “According to such-and-such a scholar,” died and rose again. But Jesus did not think of the Church he said, “every instance of the word ecclesia (church) in the first when he was on earth. Paul assures us that the Church New Testament refers to the local church.” I was astounded in its mystical reality was planned by God from before the at this claim because I knew what he and this other scholar creation. When Paul speaks of God the Father “predestining meant by that. For them, the local church was the individual us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ for himself” congregation whether it had any institutional connection (Eph 1:5), he is showing us that God foresaw the Church as with other churches or not. Tey were claiming that there the community of all the redeemed who would be in Christ. is no justification in the Bible for a church beyond the local Tere are many treasures hidden in the bosom of the congregation (parish). Church given by Christ Jesus himself. When Paul speaks My mind immediately went to Paul’s treatment of the of us as “God’s poem” in Eph 2:10, he alludes to baptism Church in Ephesians where he speaks of the Church “in the as the sacrament of the new creation, “For we are God’s heavenly realms.” I couldn’t help myself. I blurted out, “Tat poem (poiema means craft, verbally or manually), created in sounds to me like a man who had a prior conception of the Christ Jesus for good works for whom God prepared them church in his mind and then thought he found it in the New beforehand that we might walk in them.” Tis idea of baptism Testament.” as the new creation (cf. 2 Cor 5:17) comes from Jesus himself Let’s face it. Everyone has preconceptions of the Church who stressed to Nicodemus the absolute necessary of having when they read the Bible and they think they find support the grace that comes through baptism (see Jn 3:3,5). Tis is for their thoughts in the New Testament. How can we truly the same grace that Paul declares is our salvation in Ephesians discern the meaning of the Church in the Bible without 2:8, “for it is by grace that you have been saved through faith.” prejudging its teaching? How can we subject our ideas of the So the treasures of grace, without which we cannot be saved, Church to the New Testament in hopes of arriving at its own come to us through the sacramental ministry of the Church. teaching without imposing our ideas on it? Can we see clearly Tat is why the Church is a necessity on this earth. in the Bible that the Church is necessary? Perhaps an analogy will help. If you get cold symptoms, you may have a number of things such as bronchitis or influenza. If you go to the doctor, he or she will have to tell whether your symptoms are a result of a bacteria or a virus. If your condition results from a bacterial infection, he or she can prescribe antibiotics to heal the infection. If it is a virus, the doctor can do nothing. Your body has to fight it off. Te medicine prescribed corresponds to the nature of the sickness you have. In a similar way, the necessity of the Church of Jesus Christ corresponds to the nature of the Church. If we can truly discern the nature of the Church, we will have an answer to its necessity. No writer in the New Testament has a richer teaching on the Church than St. Paul and perhaps none of his letters is so rich in content as Ephesians. Te perspective of this letter is Cyprian of Carthage unique in its looking at the Church from the point of view

* In leu of my usual monthly article I asked Dr. Howell, our theological advisor, to submit this article on the necessity of the Church. — Marcus Grodi 9 Te second treasure of the Church is its catholicity. Ephesians 4:1-3, he explains our call to unity on the grounds Paul teaches that the Church was planned in eternity and that Christ establishes that unity through the gifts he gave to established on earth as the communion (and community) the Church (see Eph 4:5-8). Tose gifts or charisms are the of all peoples in and through Christ. Te great privilege of offices he established in the Church. Te “apostles, prophets, gentile Christians is “we too have been brought near in the evangelists, pastors, and teachers” (Eph 4:11) are given for the blood of Christ” (Eph 2:13). Even though we were “alienated unity of the body. Te diversity of gifts serves the purpose of from the commonwealth of Israel” and “strangers to the unity in the Church. Te ordered structure of the Church is covenants of promise” and in fact “with hope and God in this necessary for the unity of the Church. world” (Eph 2:12), Jesus’s death on the cross “abolished the Te Church is necessary because of what Christ made it to Prayer Lis dividing wall” between Jew and Gentile. His flesh “destroyed be. Grace is necessary to be saved and so he made the Church the enmity” (Eph 2:14). Te result was that he “created one an instrument (or sacrament) of grace. Catholicity of the Clergminister in Illinois, thaty Jesus would fll him new man by making peace.” Te new man he created is not Church is necessary because Christ wanted all men to come with His healing and His peace. simply the individual, though our individualistic perspective to the knowledge of the truth and so to be saved. Ordered may be tempted to read it this way. No, the “new man” is structure and hierarchy is necessary so that the Church would the Lord would grant him the grace to discern the Church which consists of both Jew and Gentile. Tis is achieve the status Christ desires for it, that of the “perfect why Paul says elsewhere that in Christ there is not “Jew or man” (Eph 4:13). Tere was an ancient maxim expressed the Holy Spirit’s lead. Greek, slave or free, male or female” (Gal 3:28). In this new by Cyprian of Carthage that runs extra ecclesiam nulla salus creation of the Church there is “no Greek or Jew, circumcision (“outside the Church there is no salvation”). Tis idea was minister in Illinois, who is confused, bewildered, or uncircumcision, barbarian, Sycthian, slave or free because so widely believed among ancient Christians that the early and more than a little scared, from his Christ is all and in all” (Col 3:11). Te reason the Church Protestant Reformers also felt an obligation to embrace it. But discoveries about possesses catholicity is that Christ intended his salvation for these teachings about the Church held by the Fathers were that the Lord Jesus grant him the peace that all the world. No one is excluded from his redeeming work rooted in the witness of the New Testament itself. I believe passes all understanding in His holy Church. and therefore the Church is given as necessary to proclaim that a careful study of the doctrine of the Church in the New and transmit His saving work. Testament would lead any honest Christian to realize that the Te third treasure of the Church is its ordered life. Many Church is necessary for salvation. Colorado, that God would guide his step of faith modern Christians see no real necessity for the structure of in resigning from his pastorate. the Church but Paul in Ephesians thinks otherwise. Te Dr. Howell is the theological advisor for the Coming Home way in which the Church lives out its unity is through its Network International and has authored the recent book “Ignatius Africa, that Jesus would reveal to him the true structure. When Paul urges on us the pursuit of unity in of Antioch: A New Translation and Teological Commentary.” and full mission that He has prepared for him in the holy Catholic Church.

Spouses Network If the Spouses Network is something the mid-west, that as she discovers the wonders you feel called to, whether you be a and truths of the Catholic faith the Holy Spirit spouse of a clergy who has made the The Coming Home Network Intl’ is would soften her husband’s heart towards the journey home and would like to assist pleased to announce the introduction someone, or if you are a spouse of a Church. of a Spouses Network to our minister and are either on the journey apostolate. The mission statement of or a new Catholic, we would like to the Spouses Network reads: minister in Indiana, that God would fll the invite you to contact CHNI to assist us valleys and make the mountains a plain before The Spouses Network exists to aid and in the development of this network. him as he seeks a new vision from the Lord. provide fellowship for the spouses of For more information contact Mary clergy on the journey to the Catholic Clare Piecynski by e-mail at Church as well as those who are new [email protected] or by phone York, that as he explores the teachings and Catholics. The mission of the Spouses at 740-450-1175 ext 105. We do worship of the Catholic Church, Jesus would call Network is that through one-on-one ask all the Coming Home Network him home to full communion with Him and His assistance given by spouses of clergy International’s members to please Church. who have embraced the Catholic faith, keep the Spouses Network in your clergy spouses who are on the journey prayers as we seek to answer the to Catholicism or have recently needs of those spouses of clergy on that he would fnd his true home in the Catholic become Catholic will fnd a source the journey home and those who are Church and become an instrument of bringing of friendship, support, and increased new converts. his people back to the Church of their ancestors. love of Jesus Christ and His Church. “Come, follow me.” Luke 18:22 10 Prayer Lis For Randy, a former United Church of Christ For William, a United Methodist minister in Clergminister in Illinois, thaty Jesus would fll him North Carolina, that the Holy Spirit would be with His healing and His peace. a lamp unto his feet as he journeys toward a For Bob, an Episcopal priest in Maryland, that deeper relationship with Jesus in the Catholic the Lord would grant him the grace to discern Church. For all families who have loved ones who the Holy Spirit’s lead. For Kristen, a former Vineyard Fellowship have walked away from the faith and for their seminarian, that she would fnd true and deep re-version to the fullness of truth. For Michael, a Southern Baptist youth fellowship with God and His people in full For all those who feel called to the Catholic minister in Illinois, who is confused, bewildered, communion with his Church. and more than a little scared, from his Church, that the Holy Spirit guide them upon discoveries about Sola Scriptura and authority, For Fred, a former Presbyterian minister in their journey of faith. that the Lord Jesus grant him the peace that Florida, that God would renew him in faith, For the upcoming Catholic Paul conference passes all understanding in His holy Church. hope and love as he comes to know and on May 16th. understand the truths of Christ’s holy Church. For all our priests and religious and those For Tim, a Non-denominational minister in For Leroy, a Presbyterian minister in Illinois, discerning their vocational calls. Colorado, that God would guide his step of faith that he would discover the true New Testament in resigning from his pastorate. Church of Jesus Christ as it has been passed For Teresa and her upcoming surgery. For Mark, a Church of Christ missionary in down and preserved by the Holy Spirit in the For all the members of Quo Vadis (QV). Catholic Church. Africa, that Jesus would reveal to him the true For Melissa and her family in this time of and full mission that He has prepared for him in For Scott, a Nazarene minister in Colorado, hardship. That God may give them His healing the holy Catholic Church. that he would discover deeper holiness and love and His peace. (QV) as he discovers the richness and depths for God’s For Pam, the wife of a Lutheran minister in truths in the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic For Caroline and her current cancer the mid-west, that as she discovers the wonders Church. treatment. and truths of the Catholic faith the Holy Spirit would soften her husband’s heart towards the In every issue we include timely prayer concerns Church. from the membership. Each person mentioned has contacted us and is somewhere along their For Mark, a former United Methodist journey home. All members are encouraged to minister in Indiana, that God would fll the For Kathy and her children that they fnd pray at least one hour each month before the valleys and make the mountains a plain before Laitypeace in their journey of faith. Blessed Sacrament for the needs in general and him as he seeks a new vision from the Lord. For Steve, his family, and his personal needs. specifc of the CHNetwork, its members, and For William, a Presbyterian minister in New For Mike, Kelly, and their family as they deal supporters. York, that as he explores the teachings and with emotional struggles. Please submit all prayer requests & answers to: worship of the Catholic Church, Jesus would call For the conversion of Bob, his daughter Lisa, CHN Prayer List him home to full communion with Him and His and her family. P. O. Box 8290 Church. For all within the Helpers Network. Zanesville, OH 43702 For Harri, a Lutheran minister in Finland, For all the members of the Coming Home You may also email your prayer requests to: that he would fnd his true home in the Catholic Network, that during this new year they may [email protected] Church and become an instrument of bringing come to a deeper love of Jesus Christ and His We use only frst names to preserve anonymity, his people back to the Church of their ancestors. Church. and the following codes: (QV) Quo Vadis Te Coming Home Network International P.O. Box 8290 Zanesville, OH 43702

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Marcus Grodi & Dr. Scott Hahn SCHEDULE along with 9:00 The Catholic Paul—Dr. Scott Hahn 10:15 Paul through Jewish Eyes— Te Coming Home Network International & Dr. Jef Marrow Te Saint Paul Center for Biblical Teology 11:45 Mass 1:00 Lunch present 2:15 Saint Paul and the Mystical Life—Dr. Mary Healy 3:15 The Mystery of Redemptive Sufering—Jef Cavins 4:30 Dinner 5:45 The Pauline Texts: Conversion through The Verses I Never Saw—Marcus Grodi 6:45 Romanism to Rome— Father Mitch Pacwa 7:45 Closing—Marcus Grodi

For more information contact: COMING HOME NETWORK INTL. 1.800.664.5110 Saturday - May 16th, 2009 - Hilton Easton - Columbus, OH www.chnetwork.org www.thecatholicpaul.com